The complex interplay between economic development, energy transitions, and environmental conservation

The gap

Evidence profile

Sourced from the recommendations and stated challenges of the source papers, classified as general, drawn from work published between 2025 and 2026, spanning 3 journals. Those papers have been cited 27 times in total.

Supporting evidence — 3 representative gaps

• The impact of socio-economic factors and digital performance on environmental sustainability: the case of European Union (2026) · Environment Development and Sustainability · doi

  The evolution of technological advances and digitalization drives both societies and busi- nesses to go through fundamental changes. Moreover, addressing the environmental deg- radation resulting from increased CO2 emissions is of great importance for policy makers to develop appropriate strategies considering digital transformation, economic growth, and environmental sustainability. Economic development countries are more likely to contribute to environmental dete- rioration. Economic growth associated with industrialization activities leads to an increase in energy consumption, which in turn leads to higher levels of pollution and consequently environmental degradation. Policymakers should develop strategies towards decoupling economic growth from environmental degradation. Taking into consideration the digital transformation and the utilization of renewable energy sources, they can develop more sustainable models of economic development. In addition, legislative measures such as tax reductions and discounts on power bills for households and industrial sector in order to enforce production and consumption of renewable energy instead of conventional fos- sil fuels (Destek et al., 2018). As environmental policies become stricter, CO2 emissions decrease and the revenue generated from these policies can be reinvested into additional reduction initiatives (Özmen & Mutascu, 2023; Wolde-Rufael & Mulat-weldemeskel, 1 3M. Masoura, S. Malefaki 2023). Addressing the issue of increased CO2 emissions from the agricultural sector requires policies focused on two directions. Firstly, promoting the adoption of sustain- able agricultural practices advocating for sustainable farming techniques such as the use of natural pesticides, hydroponic systems, crop rotation, polycultures, and urban agricul- ture, among others (Coulibaly et al., 2021). Secondly, fostering environmentally-friendly approaches in the value-added processes of agriculture, spanning manufacturing, market- ing, and service sectors. Facilitated by the integration of ICT and the transition to renewable energy sources. Providing financial and technical support for emerging ICT technologies and investing in renewable energy sources such as solar and wind energy, as well as utiliz- ing ethanol and biodiesel, are primary alternatives for renewable fuels made from renew- able resources (Agricultural marketing resource center, 2023; Brini, 2023). Based on our findings indicating a positive relation between R&D and CO2 emissions, it is imperative for the EU to lead initiatives to promote investment in clean technologies. R&D initiatives can play a crucial role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and minimizing environmental impacts through advancements in waste management, energy-efficient manufacturing, and improving technologies for storage and transfer renewable energy at lower costs. Further political support i

  generalrecommendations
  Keywords: energy environmental renewable emissions economic develop growth sources policies initiatives agricultural technologies addressing increased strategies
• Digital Economy and Sustainable Development Challenges in the GCC Countries: Do Innovations Drive Sustainable Digital Transformation? (2026) · Sustainable Development · doi

  The digital economy poses significant challenges due to its substantial energy requirements, reliance on fossil fuels, and generation of electronic waste. The region's dependence on hydrocarbon resources and ambitions for economic diversification pose challenges. The study highlights the need for policy interventions to align digital transformation with the sustainability agenda.

  generalstated challengesevidence 5/5
  Keywords: digital economy poses significant challenges due substantial energy
• Assessing the Sustainability of Southeast Asia’s Energy Transition: A Comparative Analysis (2025) · Energies · cited 27× · doi

  The complex interplay between economic development, energy transitions, and environmental conservation. The lack of access to energy, which can lead to economic stagnation, low productivity, and entrenched poverty. The overwhelming dependence on non-renewable energy sources, which poses significant environmental challenges.

  generalstated challengesevidence 5/5
  Keywords: complex interplay between economic development energy transitions environmental

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